$1 Billion U of Oregon Complex Aims to Accelerate Scientific Impact

In an effort to accelerate scientific discoveries that can have a lasting impact on the world, the University of Oregon (UO) unveiled its plans to build a new science complex in Eugene, OR.

The proposed $1 billion complex will “work to reshape the state’s public higher education landscape by training new generations of scientists, engaging in new interdisciplinary research, forging tighter ties with industry and entrepreneurs, and creating new educational opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students,” according to the announcement.

It will comprise three new 70,000-square-foot buildings, complete with “cutting-edge labs, research facilities, prototyping tools, imaging facilities, human subject interaction space and an innovation hub.”

UO estimates the complex will:

Increase research by 30 percent;

Oversee 30 teams of top-tier scientists and staff;

Serve 550 undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral researchers; and

Generate $80 million in annual economic activity when fully operational.

It will be named the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, after an alumnus who provided the largest lead gift ever for a public flagship institution. The university received a $500 million gift from Nike co-founder Phil Knight, who earned a business degree at UO.

“In an age of declining public support for scientific research generally and declining public higher education support specifically, Penny and I are delighted to contribute to these critically important areas,” Knight said in a prepared statement. “While not without risk, we believe the expected societal returns from such investments are high. And here at home in Oregon, we believe the potential to arm our talented young people with the skills and tools they will need to have a lasting impact on the world and to pursue rewarding careers makes such investments essential.”